Breakdancing’s debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics was always expected to make headlines, but it quickly became a topic of intense discussion after 36-year-old Australian b-girl Raygun took the stage. Known off the dance floor as Rachael Gunn, Raygun’s performance went viral—not for winning medals, but for sparking a wave of memes and jokes across social media.
Gunn failed to secure a win in her three rounds, ultimately scoring zero points in the competition. Despite the outcome, her performance became a hot topic online, with many questioning her style and approach to the sport.
Raygun will go down as the most successful troll in Olympics history. How she pulled off this nonsense to be an Olympian representing her country in something she has zero talent or skill in needs a documentary. I wanna hear her story. #Raygun pic.twitter.com/oPTmuUL0s0
— JaMarrio Velaryon (@Hthemagnificent) August 12, 2024
Amidst the criticism, Raygun stood by her performance, emphasizing the importance of creativity in her routine. “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best—their power moves,” she told reporters, according to ESPN. “What I bring is creativity. All of my moves are original. Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”
The online backlash prompted Australia’s Chef de Mission, Anna Meares, to come to Raygun’s defense, expressing disappointment over the negative attention her performance received. “I love Rachael, and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing,” Meares said at a news conference. “Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. She has represented the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. And I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has.”
Raygun also received support from the head judge of the breaking competition, Martin Gilian, who defended her originality and approach to the sport. “Breaking is all about originality and bringing something new to the table and representing your country or region,” Gilian stated. “This is exactly what Raygun was doing. She got inspired by her surroundings, which in this case, for example, was a kangaroo.”
Breakdancing is not currently scheduled for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, and many experts believe it’s unlikely to be included in Brisbane’s 2032 games.
